Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is that branch of medical science based upon the premise that diseases are related to structural, functional, nutritional and biochemical abnormalities in the body The term "chiropractic" originally came from the Greek word "chiropraktikos", meaning "effective treatment by hand". Chiropractic practice traditionally involved only manipulation of the spine and other joints. Now chiropractic practice has grown to include not only manipulation, but also all of the procedures utilized by other primary care doctors, except drugs and surgery.

Modern chiropractic physicians are educated and experienced to perform physical examinations, X-Rays, laboratory testing, orthopedics, pediatrics, gynecology, ordering of all hospital tests, etc. There are still some chiropractors who choose to limit their practices only to spinal manipulation. At Arlington Chiropractic Clinic, our doctors are experienced in broad-scope holistic practice, as described earlier in this webpage.

What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?

Although chiropractic is traditionally very successful at treating most musculoskeletal complaints such as back and neck pain, disc problems,sprains, headaches, etc., some chiropractic physicians are specializing in other areas, such as nutrition, internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, radiology and others.

This office is experienced in helping a wide variety of patient problems, such as disc herniations, extremity problems, internal disorders, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, bio-identical hormone replacement and many other disorders. Your success in having these conditions treated effectively is highly dependant upon the experience and training of the doctor you consult. Always consult with us to determine if chiropractic treatment may be beneficial to you.

Does Chiropractic manipulative treatment hurt?

No--under usual circumstances, spinal adjustments don't hurt in any way. In rare circumstances, a patient may experience a minor amount of temporary muscle soreness after their first treatment - similiar to when a person starts a new exercise. We take special care to avoid any muscle soreness in patients after treatment, and the great majority of patients express relief of symptoms from treatment early in their care. Be sure to report any concerns to your treating doctor.

Is Chiropractic spinal manipulation safe?

Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are extremely safe. The risk factor for injury is estimated to be less than one in 1,000,000-3,000,000 visits. This office takes every precaution available to avoid any possible side-effects to treatment.

What kind of education and training do your doctors of chiropractic have?

The chiropractic physicians on staff all posess a baccalaureate degree as well as a doctorate degree, similiar to any other physician. Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, biochemistry, exercise and holistic health. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated in three areas of learning; (1)basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis); (2)specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (diagnosis, theoretical studies, techniques, nutrition, clinical practice, and applications); and (3)extensive clinical training, internships, residencies. All of our doctors also have studied a specific field of post-graduate specialization.

Why does your office have available more procedures, modalities and treatments than most other chiropractic offices?

Most health complaints that we see in our patients involve more than one cause. Evaluating our patients more thoroughly leads to a more effective and more complete resolution of their problems. Not looking at a complete differential diagnosis may lead to unnecessarily prolonged, costly and less-effective course of treatment.

What can I expect on my first visit?

Expect to undergo a thorough history of your main complaint, any related complaints, family, social and nutritional history. Then a thorough examination of your complaint will be performed; followed by a recommendation for any needed tests, such as x-rays, lab tests, MRI, CAT scans, etc. When an appropriate diagnosis is achieved, treatment recommendations will be given.

The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. The DC will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem.

A physical examination will be performed in accordance with your DC's clinical judgement, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.

What other services do you offer besides chiropractic manipulation?

Our office offers a variety of alternative health treatments, including bio-identical hormone treatment, acupuncture, nutritional support, dietary counselling, therapeutic and rehabilitative exercise instruction, homeopathic formulas, herbal medicine, Chinese medicine and others.